Summary : The Inside Passage is a 1000-mile saltwater corridor that twists through narrow channels and wanders among countless thousands of islands. A voyager could spend several lifetimes cruising from anchorage to anchorage, and never stay in the same one twice. The rich (and recent) history of the Inside Passage adds to the indescribable natural beauty. The “Catalyst” invites you to make your own voyage of discovery along this singular ocean pathway.

Activities : Birding, Culture, Hiking, Kayaking

PRICING

Like all other trips through these narrow reaches, your schedule is set around the tides. The narrowest passages become choke points for the currents flow, and can produce currents that are double the speed of the “Catalyst.” Today, leave the San Juan Islands and cross the international border, passing through British Columbia’s Gulf Islands. Catching the slack current through Dodd Narrows, you will moor in Nanaimo, where you will check in with Canadian Customs.

There are no big currents to face today, but instead big waters to cross. The Gulf of Georgia is about 30 miles square, and can generate significant wind waves. Cross to the mainland side of the Gulf and enter Desolation Sound after cruising north through the Copeland Islands. Tonight’s anchorage in Squirrel Cove will be a good place to launch kayaks and take a relaxed paddle around this protected cove. A unique feature of Squirrel Cove is a lagoon with a reversing tidal rapid. There will be great fun in the warm waters of summer!

Today is the day of the big currents! There are three major rapids to navigate, and to-the-minute timing is essential. Transit Whirlpool Point, Dent and Greene Point Rapids. Find shelter for the evening somewhere in the Broughton Archipelago.

Today, make the first open-ocean crossing. Queen Charlotte Sound can be formidable, especially this early in the season, so there will be an early start. Engine start-up is at 5 a.m., and the anchor is on deck at 5:30 a.m.

You are now in the true “Inside Passage.” See barges, tugs, ferries and cruise ships. Make a few turns off of the “main road” to visit some interesting fjords and bays. Explore narrow, ice-sculpted canyons lined with waterfalls. In the river deltas at the heads of the inlets, you may see bears feeding on sedges having recently emerged from their winter dens. This is also the homeland of the rare “Spirit Bear,” a genetic mutation in the black bears of this region causes about 10 percent of them to be born with white fur. They are hard to see from the water, but sharp eyes may be rewarded!

After getting checked back into America at Customs, leave the float planes and cruise ships of Ketchikan behind. One of the favorite anchorages after the Ketchikan departure is Meyer’s Chuck, a quintessential Alaskan village.

The goal today is to pass through two of the most picturesque waterways in the world; first is Zimovia Strait, and second is Wrangell Narrows. At the north end of Wrangell Narrows lies the Norwegian fishing village of Petersburg. Here you may stop and stretch your legs, or you may push on toward the evening anchorage in Thomas Bay. From here, explore the outwash plain of Baird Glacier.

Leaving Thomas Bay, continue north through Frederick Sound. As you approach Brother’s Islands, you should be on the lookout for Humpback Whales, which are arriving in their summer feeding grounds. Anchor among the Brother’s Islands, which provide a wonderful setting for a kayak paddle and forest walk.

Today, cross Stephen’s Passage and enter Endicott Arm. At the head of Endicott, visit Dawes Glacier, an active salt-water calving Glacier. Spend the night in a small cove adjacent to the narrow entrance to Ford’s Terror, where you will play the currents and paddle one of the most dramatic fjords in North America.

Leaving Endicott Arm, continue north through Stephen’s Passage. Passing verdant river estuaries, scan the emerging sedges for Brown Bears who are just emerging from hibernation. Stop for the night in Taku Harbor, site of a former Hudson’s Bay Company trading post and, more recently, a fish cannery.

Travel the final 20 miles of the Inside Passage this morning and tie to the dock in the historic gold rush town of Juneau. Plan to be moored up by 10:30 a.m., leaving plenty of time to visit the Alaska State Museum before catching your flights back to “civilization."

Notes

While this is a planned itinerary, each trip differs slightly depending upon the time of the tidal currents, the weather conditions, wildlife viewing opportunities, and the wishes of the passengers.

Not Included: The cost of air flights, unless otherwise indicated in the itinerary; airport taxes; passports; visas; immunizations; insurance of any kind; laundry; excess baggage; items of a personal nature; discretionary gratuities; medical costs; costs of hospitalization; additional expenses arising from the delay or extension of a trip due to weather, political disputes, illness, failure of transportation, or other causes beyond control.

Catalyst

Overview : The 12-passenger Catalyst is a historic wooden vessel that offers a unique cruise experience in the sheltered Inside Passage of southeast Alaska and the Pacific Northwest. Originally an ocean research vessel for the University of Washington, she was “built to last,” constructed of white oak, Alaskan yellow cedar, Douglas fir, teak and Australian ironwood. Since her research days, she has been thoughtfully restored true to her 30's heritage. Classic accommodations include cozy, private staterooms, a spacious galley, and a warm wood-paneled salon.

Cabin Description : Accommodating up to 12 passengers, the Pacific Catalyst II includes six private staterooms. Lower deck cabins share one washroom with shower. There is a second washroom on the upper deck next to the main salon. Cabins 1-3 and 6 are double cabins; cabin 4 is a single, and cabin 5 sleeps up to four; cabins 1 and 6 have private facilities with showers; cabins 2, 3, 4, and 5 share facilities.

Nancy A.

Tuscon, AZ Jun 2011

Alaska Cruise - Petersburg to Petersburg

Motor Yacht
Catalyst

The trip exceeded our expectations; I would use you again. The boat was cozy and comfortable. The crew was great and went above and beyond to help us get to see all the wildlife up close - humpback whales, orcas, porpoises, bears, seals, sea lions...

We had always wanted to take a trip to Alaska and looking into options, we wanted to do something that would be more active and up close to nature than just cruising by. The most memorable part was the up close whale and brown bear viewings and beautiful kayak trips. The meals were all gourmet prepared, healthy, and delicious. The naturalists were very knowledgeable and were happy to answer all of our questions. We learned so much. I'm not sure how to improve the experience. It was awesome.

Elizabeth R.

Redondo Beach, CA Jun 2009

Alaska Inside Passage â€“ Juneau to Petersburg

Motor Yacht
Catalyst

It was EXACTLY the trip I wanted! Joy was really helpful as well as all of the ExpeditionTrips people I dealt with. She was always there to answer my questions and reassure me when I was worried we were spending too much money! Everything went very smoothly! The trip itself, and the staff onboard the Pacific Catalyst, met all of our expectations!

I've always wanted to go to Alaska and we especially loved being up close and personal with the whales, the glaciers and the icebergs! The hikes in the magical forests were great, too!

We really enjoyed the staff onboard. Our cook, Christine, made homemade bread for every meal! Our guide, Shannon, was so great at not just teaching us but also taking care of us. (She knew I was nervous about kayaking but I did it with no problems!) Our Captain, Bill, was so patient with the kids; they really enjoyed spending time with him. His good nature was infectious! And our Engineer, Eric, was so knowledgeable and interesting! (He's had so many adventures and knows so much about so many things!)

All requests for cancellation must be received in writing. Cancellation penalties are based on the number of days prior to departure that the cancellation was received and are subject to change without notice. We strongly suggest you obtain trip cancellation insurance. Failure to secure a valid passport, visa, or air arrangements does not waive this policy.